Bangladeshi shot by BSF along Kushtia border, BGB also fire back

A Bangladeshi farmer was injured in firing by India's Border Security Force (BSF) along the Jamalpur border in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) also fired back to ensure the safety of people on the Bangladesh side.

The incident took place around 9:30AM near border pillar No. 152/10-S, triggering tension along the border.

The injured farmer, Sajul Hossain, 30, is the son of Sabaj Hossain of Jamalpur village. According to local sources, he was cutting grass near the zero line when a patrol team from the nursery camp of BSF's 146 Battalion fired a round of pellet shots at him. Pellets struck him from the waist down to his ankles.

In a press release, the BGB's 47 Battalion said a Bangladeshi citizen sustained gunshot injuries to his leg after the BSF suddenly opened fire. A regular BGB patrol team from Jamalpur Border Outpost (BOP) immediately took position in the area following the incident.

The BGB returned fire as a self-defence measure to ensure the safety of local residents, the release said. Patrols and surveillance along the border have since been intensified, with additional precautions in place.

Lieutenant Colonel Rashed Kamal Roni, commanding officer of the Kushtia-based 47 BGB Battalion, confirmed that a Bangladeshi citizen had been injured and was sent to hospital for treatment. BGB personnel visited the scene to assess the situation and take necessary measures, he added.

Sajul was initially taken to Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex for first aid before being referred to Kushtia General Hospital. Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Touhid Hasan Tuhin confirmed the information.

Meanwhile, local residents claimed to have detained an Indian national following the incident. However, the BGB has not confirmed the claim, saying the matter was being investigated.